THE SAMOAN QUESTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2127, 6 May 1889, Page 3

THE SAMOAN QUESTION

gfBYfiUEOTBXO TBLKORAPH— COPYRIGHT] (PKB PBBBS ASSOCIATION,; ;(Beceived May 6, 1.9 p.m.) B«bhk, May 5.

In a despatch from Dr Knappe, late German Consul at Samoa, which is published m a German White Book on Samoan affairs just issued, the doctor condemns as unwarrantable the hoisting of the American and British flags over \ Huts and lands belonging to natives. He alleges that the natives pledged some lands, claimed by the Germans, for arms and ammunition the German proprietors were therefore justified m hoisting their national flag over their property. He states that the commander of the cruiser Royalist declared that those to whom those pledges were given could not support their claims to this hypothecated land. Dr Knappe says that an American firm for years imported handkerchiefs of the United States National Colors and with portraits of the President, and that since the outbreak ofof hostilities these handkerchiefs have been tecklessly hoisted over houses and huts. Berlin is much excited over the inopportune publication of Dr Knappe's statement. tfUoelred May 6, 12.59 p.m.) A Committee of the Samoan Conference, after enquiry have ascertained that the land claimed by the Germans exceed the total area of the Islands. The Emperor William receives the delegates after his return from his visit to England.